Riding Horses All The Way

@Astra @Anastasia @Destin @Hati @Lachesis @Quil @Cinder

It's claiming time! Shouldn't be too long a thread and it's paramount that, if I've tagged you, you reply ASAP. Please try to get your response up before the 7th because we can power this along and get the pack set up really quickly.

Named after the several flat rocks scattered through the territory, Cut Rock River is located in the western most regions of Cedarwood Forest. The water itself is shallow and the current not too fast; any surefooted creature could somewhat easily cross it. The trees diminish as you make your way to the central part of the territory, where hills are exposed as well as one of the main features of the area—the river passing along (and through) a large collection of smooth, jagged rocks . The wolves of the pack have dug their den site beneath one of the larger cluster of boulders, hidden among several other slabs of earthen palettes. (image)

The journey had been a long, tiring one. They had trudged on through water logged forests, over rain lashed mountains, through more forests, constantly searching for a home. Maksim Baranski wanted to find somewhere safe and secluded—somewhere they could all start again. The memories of Darkwater Rapids would always stay with them, with him, even if the territory was flooded and all borders were swept away. Kade and Ava would always receive his respect and the more he thought about it the more he realised he missed the Attaya family. Well, he was lucky in some twisted and morbid way. There were two with him now, after all. Maksim constantly kept his eye on the girls, Quil and Cinder, for their safety was of utmost importance. They were not his children, no, but they were his best friend’s. In her absence, he would guard them with his life. He would allow no harm to fall upon them. He had been their guardian as they grew and would certainly continue to be so … well, at least until they no longer needed his protection. He found himself in the Cedarwood Forest, the band of wolves following him without question. It felt strange to walk among these trees again. Strange, but not unwelcomed. Would Destin be happy to see these towering cedars? The Hollow had been his home for much longer than it had been the Baranski’s. The group pressed on, led by the agouti brute, and it felt as though they would never settle down; they would never find a home to match the Rapids. Walking ever West, the faint sound of running water caught Maksim’s attention and he swung his head to look at the group behind him as if to say “can you hear that”. Now, instead of following his reptilian gaze, he followed his ears, searching desperately for the source of the comforting sound. The treeline suddenly lessened and he stepped out a gently sloping hill. Before him lay a river with flat rocks scattered generously along its length. Water found its way over and between the slabs, never slowing. A river of cut rocks. <b style="font-family:georgia; font-size:11px; color:#d8ddcf;">“Cut Rock River,” he breathed, mostly to himself. Once again, he looked behind him but this time he looked to a particular wolf; to Astra. He turned to face the group, eyes still locked on the woman, as motioned for her to step forward, next to him. Whilst Maksim hadn’t noticed it himself, his tail had begun to wag with the excitement of claiming a home of his own. The dream he had lived with ever since he was a child was being fulfilled and he could feel his desire to dance around growing. He would resist that urge, however. He was far more dignified than that. His reptilian gaze swept over each wolf before him but his gaze settled on Anastasia for a split second longer than it did on the others. Maksim watched her briefly, his gaze surprisingly soft. Certainly, he would have chosen her to found with him had she not recently gone through leaving her position in another pack, this Pitch Pine Trail she spoke of. He wanted to give her ample time to heal. Surely she would understand that. He pulled his eyes away from the snowy Starklen and looked to the creamy Sellix. Verdant gaze met her stormy blue one and he nodded. It was time. Lifting his head, parting his jaws, Maksim released a long, drawn out howl that stamped their arrival on the territory. Now it was simply everyone else’s turn to join in. <b style="font-family:georgia; font-size:11px; color:#d8ddcf;">

table by mimi, image by hun

(This post was last modified: Nov 04, 2013, 03:37 PM by Maksim.)

we are shining in the rising sun, as we are floating in the blue

Devastation had come in the simplest form -- the rain had been never ending, and yet with it, Cinder had witnessed her home being washed away for eternity. She was not so young and naive to not realize that Darkwater Rapids would indeed in time flourish once more -- but the pack and home it had been would be no more, and with it, her family had been washed away as well. She spoke very little during their journey -- having been freed from Namara's jaws before the she-wolf and her comrade had taken off as per Maksim's warning, the dark pup couldn't even consider any curiosity on the matter.. her thoughts, instead, were consumed by her missing parents and brother.

She had stuck close to Maksim's heels, and if not there, had made sure to stick to Quil's side. Silence was not something she had been accustom to, and yet no words could be found. Her bright eyes would dully take in the landscape as they passed it, the traipse of the mountain offering her no solace to her loss.<bnr>
As they descended, the girl could not even meet the sight before her warmly. The lands before her were beautiful, yet they were dull in comparison to the rapids she and her brothers had once played in. Every so often her gaze would shift back, as if expecting Kade, Ava or her other siblings to round the bend.. to find them, where they belonged.

Of course, this did not happen, and with a heavy heart, the Attaya orphan continued onward, never once speaking.. never once caring about anything else. They entered a forest -- the impressive heights of the trees were spectacular, but she cared little. Her paws ached, her growing form had thinned in the days they had traveled. Finally, Maksim ceased their movement, and without thought, the cub plunked herself to her behind, ears skimming back to her skull as she looked upward to him and the creamy female by his side. Was this his mate? She had never even known the she-wolf.

His cry rose in to the air, claiming this part of the forest as their home. Cinder, far too tired, weary and depressed, could not lilt her own voice to join him in celebration. To her, there was nothing to celebrate.

like a black widow, baby

The rain was not so bad once they had abandoned their home, and yet still the perpetual mist and dreary skies dampened everyone's spirits...not that they would have been very high even had the storms turned to pretty blue skies. Hati had not been a part of Darkwater for long enough to feel attachment to the place itself, though he could imagine somewhat the loss and anger that must have been coursing through the veins of those who had called the rapids their home for very long. He already understood what it meant to be homeless. Days passed as the small group traveled away from their beloved home, wondering if they would ever find another. Climbing up and down the high mountain especially was difficult for all of them and even more so for the young ones whom Hati felt so much pity for as orphans. It made him respect his leader even more to see Maksim caring so lovingly for the girls who were not his own. He yearned to speak, to ask who they were, to talk to them. To tell them his name.

As it was the dark male felt forced to remain in the shadows, taking his place on the fringes of the lost members of Darkwater Rapids, finding himself purposeless. He had so wanted to be a part of a pack, and had succeeded, but that had landed him in a new predicament. Though he was around friends he could never befriend them. It drove him crazy to be so close but so terribly far away. Incredible how something so petty as a scar on a throat could leave a man so hopeless and lost. But even such despair never held Hati back. He would stand by his new family, whatever they were, and keep them safe.

Things went smoother once they reached flat lands and trekked through forests, leaving their trail of sorrow in prints on fallen leaves of gold and red. The landscape constantly changed, and eventually the group found themselves walking amidst great cedars towering above and providing a feeling of safety to the forgotten. Hati immediately liked the place, and apparently Maksim did to. The big wolf had begun to pick up speed, and it did not take long for Hati to realize he was chasing the beautiful sound of flowing water. He didn't quite understand why he was so excited, though, for not long ago they had drank their fill. It was then that it dawned on him that all this time they had been searching for a new home, not running from one. He could tell by the way Maksim stood so tall, pride lighting up his face.

Then the great alpha howled, a long, joyful note for any in the surrounding vicinity to hear and understand. This place was claimed, this was Cut Rock River, and only its own people could call it home. Loners beware, this place was sacred. Hati smiled and sat, looking over the river, claiming the territory, and its name, in his own way. They were home.

The currents of sorrow that washed over every inch of her heart weren't so different than the ones that had so devastatingly swept away all that she knew and loved. Things had been so perfect, and she could realize only now how lucky she and her siblings had been. To have been raised by her mother and father. To have grown in a place so beautiful and hidden from the ugly realities of a world she didn't know loomed dangerously around them all. To have stability and peace. All of those things, and much more, the once-princess had taken for granted. To have been reunited with her sister after the disaster was the only ray of light in a place that was so dark─a place of despair and regret that she now couldn't find her way out of. Cinder was Quil's quivering hope for a future she wasn't sure she could build from the tattered remnants of her past, and it was for that unspoken notion alone that she lifted her paws and trudged onward.

The days ran together as she kept to Maksim's heels. Now and then the girl's shoulder would brush against her sister's or their amber eyes would connect, and she would offer up a fragile smile. As much as everything about this requiem of a journey and the loss of their parents and brothers absolutely hurt, she was going to make sure that Cinder had the best─or what was left─of her.

Eventually, the open, rolling landscapes of the unknown west faded and the scent of cedar filled the air. There were cedar trees back home, but there was no cedar forest. Though the smell didn't hold any significance to her, Quil remembered the stories father had told her about a place he used to know where the cedars reigned and he had lived many years. The girl's attention was wicked away from her memories as she took it all in, watching her guardian─their leader─intently as he swung his head to silent address the pack. Her ears folded effortlessly against her crown and her chin dropped with a quiver, the thickening plume of her dark, red-tipped tail hanging limply at her hocks. Was this where she would grieve and grow and learn to live again? Could she even?

Her eyes roved over the familiar planes of her sister's face as Maksim's mighty and heartwrenching song echoed clearly through the air. Quietly, Quil shuffled to her side, affectionately offering Cinder a nudge to her cheek as she scanned the forest's shadows for the faceless ghosts she imagined would haunt the rest of her days.

(This post was last modified: Nov 06, 2013, 01:44 AM by Quil.)

<b style="font-family:georgia; font-size:11px; color:#D7DDDF;"> As the young healer traveled among his new packmates he remained glued to the blue-eyed doves side, not daring to wander away from her. As his rock and constant companion, she was the only family that the long-limbed youth had – he was terrified of the thought of losing her. There were little words exchanged between the two of them as they trudged through the water-logged territories, and although he was curious about their destination he did not voice his thoughts aloud. While he had not known the green-eyed leader for long, he trusted and valued his opinion – when Maksim reached a place suitable for the pack he would claim it as theirs. The rain was constant as they journeyed through the mountains, and Lachesis could see the obvious grief in the eyes of the Darkwater wolves. The place that he and Anastasia had only known briefly had been their home, and the youth could only imagine the sorrow that weighed on their hearts. XIX felt like a trespasser – the wolves of the Rapids were devastated by the destruction of their home; a home that did not belong to him. Eventually the rocky terrain of the mountains disappeared and surrounding them were tall, looming cedars. The scent that wafted from their trunks comforted the youth, although the rain still trickled down from the sky. Pressing his damp, milky fur against his companions Lachesis allowed his gaze to wander, lingering on the figures of his new packmates before moving onto the next one. These were the wolves that would – hopefully – become his new family. Guilt still shadowed his heart at the thought of leaving Pitch Pine Trail behind; he worried frequently about Karpos and if he had recovered from their final meeting. Visions of the frail pup had haunted Lachesis’ mind during their journey, but he knew that the decision to leave the broken pack had been a good one. Change was good, especially with the devastation that had fallen over the Trail. Maksim’s pace had increased, causing the youth to break away from his thoughts – something had caught the green-eyed leader’s attention. The sound of moving water hit his ears like a tidal wave and soon the river that cut into the land soon came into sight. The dark leader paused, turning to the group as his tail wagged excitedly behind him – it was at that moment that Lachesis realized that Maksim had found their home. Relieved, the spider-legged yearling allowed a sigh to stumble past his lips, pear eyes meeting the cool, blue-eyed gaze of Anastasia. Home.

stick with those who stick with you

The journey had been a tiring, stressful one for the small band of wolves. Darkwater Rapids, a home Astra had barely known, was swept away. Gone. Perhaps it was fate. That she simply was just not meant to live out her life there, to build memories along it's banks. Finding herself on the move once again, she was reminded of the old days. Of times when she navigated unfamiliar lands, living alone. Only now, it was different. She had a pack in which she belonged, a noble leader and potential friends whom to look out for. So no matter the circumstances, as long as they stuck together, all was right with the world. The rain had was just as unrelenting as ever, continuing to fall from the cloudy skies even as they traveled. They had weaved through dense forests, over a formidable, treacherous mountain and onwards. Once over the mountainous slopes, Astra was introduced to the west, a side of the Lore she never knew had existed. While it was refreshing to experience this new environment, filled with potential, she couldn't help but feel a deep pang of regret. Never again, would she have the pleasure of visiting the rapids. Of running through the lush, dark forest along it's shore. And even if she did, by some chance return, the place would never be the same. The roaring waters would churn away at the earth, forever reshaping the landscape. The impact that it had the most affect on, were the two dark pups. This of course, hadn't gone unnoticed by the keen eyed female. While she longed to console them, she knew that whatever she did, would not help in healing their spirits. That, was a job only time could fix. Even though her muscles ached, protesting from the long, tedious trekking through mud and rain, she pressed on. Dutifully following her leader, trusting his judgement. Eventually, the group had emerged into a forest. Quite unlike the one by the falls. This one was spacious, boasting trees of a grand stature. The smell of crisp cedar flew into her nasal cavity, soothing her senses. There was an air of peacefulness about this place, even with the rain. Up ahead, the trees parted and the distinct sound of trickling water greeted her ears. Maksim had ran ahead, as if chasing some unseen force. Picking up the pace, she followed, breaking out into the open, only to be greeted with a great expanse of gently rolling, rock lined hills, through which a stream flowed. As Maksim breathed out a title befitting to the place, she knew that their search was over. When he turned, landing his green eyes on her, beckoning her to his side, she blinked in mild surprise. She was to take her place beside him as an equal? She had done nothing to be deserving of such a position...only placed her trust in him, and the others. Still, she was humbled, and stepped forward, dipping her chin down gently. Astra stood beside him not as his equal, but as a loyal member of what was to be a new pack. Just as his cry of victory filled the air, she too, lifted her head towards the clouds, letting a low howl echo through the air. Staking claim to this place, and announcing to all that Cut Rock River was born.

Anastasia felt worn out, drilled by the journey but she pushed herself forward with the strength of her company to aid her. It was them that forced her to move on and not to complain nor wince, she wished to keep them all up to speed and to follow Maksim at whatever pace he wished. Ana would not argue or complain, XIX had been by her side at every passing moment and for this she was quite grateful. With their continued movements the terrain changed in time and from the cold, rocky surface of the mountain it became a flatter more luscious ground. Something that Anastasia no longer felt addled by but more calm, the expression on her face was no longer one of aching paws but of satisfied relief. It would have been a lie to say that she did not feel a throw of jealousy as he motioned for another woman—a strange woman—to be beside him in this great adventure, but she withheld from voicing any opinion. It was how it always had been, she was elected as a runner up but she could not fret as this was normal. She would have her time and this she reminded herself and once her strength was back she would challenge for the woman’s spot unless the two were lovers. If not, it was fair game. She would not only be challenging for rank, but to win Maksim over. With the strength that she still carried she managed to take a look to her flank, to her best friend, before raising a muzzle to the sky to announce their righteous claim.

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looking for friends, potential love interests and role-inspired threads!

Days ran into one another like waves in a gently rolling sea. The only way to know when one ended and another began was the sun that passed over them, disappearing behind mountains and hills that characterized Relic Lore. There was not much excitement in the trip, only mindless walking. Destin McBain was thankful for this, for he could simply step one foot in front of the other and end up where he needed to be. There was no complex thinking needed and no problem solving necessary. He could walk dull-eyed across rocky paths and steep cliff-faces without any interruption. This is all he could do, his golden eyes staring straight ahead except for the passing look towards Quil and Cinder to confirm their safety. He had already lost other pups in his incompetence, the two left were all he had to make up for his sins.

Every time he saw the new pack leader, Maksim, walk in front of them, he wondered for a moment where he could be leading all of them. All of the death and destruction had left no hope in the large male, no exhilaration for a promised land. It was most likely a temporary home until Mother Nature decided they had stayed too long and banished them into the world once more. Destin's optimism and cheeriness was at an all time low as the events of the previous days replayed over in his head like a broken record. He imagined what he could have- should have- done. He could have stopped all of this, or in the least prevented the deaths of wolves he had been so loyal to.. to those he had pledged his life for...

The mountains sloped downward and led them through forests and a whole variety of biomes. If he had been younger perhaps the 4-year-old could have appreciated all the beauty, but those days were over... for now. Only when they had been walking for a while did he begin to notice the area and for a moment his ears perked and his eyes became more bright and lively. Destin never believed he would return to the Cedarwood Forests after the war, and if he did not know any better he would say that nothing had changed. Sibyl will love this!.. Destin thought to himself with a wag of his tail before he recalled that Sibyl was no longer there with him. She had disappeared into the raging rapids and was most likely gone forever. Five wolves had left from these trees and crossed the mountains... And now only two of that original group would be returning.

The waving leaves of the trees did not lull him like they used to. He was suspicious of each and every leaf and blade of grass, and especially the river that Maksim brought them to. While he sat and waited, he watched Maksim with emptiness as he chose a leading female and began howling his song. Once this would have filled him with joy, but no more.. He had lost so much.. and now it seemed like nothing was left. Nevertheless he raised his jaws and howled like the others, but his melody had a void and his heart felt vacant.

"speech"

DARKWATER Rapids

TEMPLATE © NDA OF RCR & RPG-D

(This post was last modified: Nov 07, 2013, 08:51 PM by Destin.)

Hooray! Everyone replied <3.

No posting order guys, just get up what you can.

It seemed that was that, the land had been claimed by Maksim Baranski and the pack. Their call rang out through the surrounding area of the Cedarwood Forest. It was a defiant taunt to Mother Nature, enforcing that she had not won. She had not wiped these wolves out in the flood. They were still here, they were still capable and they would survive. Maksim would do his best to protect and lead the band of wolves who had followed him across the mountain, through the harshest weather. The Attaya children who had lost and left their home would be watched with the intent to, one day, reunite them with their family. If that they were to never come, though? Well. The agouti male would try his best to teach them well. The howls of the now newly formed pack faded slowly, Maksim once again looking each wolf over. The young girls remained silent, though the Baranski could not blame them, and Taras sat with a smile on his face. He was unable to howl but his spirit was with them, the leader knew it. Verdant green eyes once again settled on Astra with a smile—a silent thank you for standing as the founding female—before he turned away from the group, crossing the rather shallow waters to journey further into their new home, to explore and to learn. There was a little bit of everything here, something to represent each territory the Baranski had lived within, ranging from gentle hills to towering trees and, of course, running water. This would be a good home to the new pack. Of that, Maksim Baranski was sure.<b style="font-family:georgia; font-size:11px; color:#d8ddcf;">

table by mimi, image by hun

(This post was last modified: Nov 09, 2013, 08:56 PM by Maksim.)

we are shining in the rising sun, as we are floating in the blue

Whelp there's my lame exit post.

For most of his life he had dreamed of this, but had never really expected it to happen. Being home, in a pack he could trust, surrounded by family. Not only had he succeeded, but he had gone even further. He was the founder of a fresh pack, he was as much a member as any other wolf who was a part of Cut Rock River, and there was nothing left to regret but the past. A bright future was all that he could see, for no doubt in his mind existed that he was strong enough to strengthen the pack rather than weaken it.

The dark male rose to all four of his sturdy legs and glanced around at his pack mates. He knew not one of them personally, aside from Maksim, but within the next months they would all become the closest of family. His family. But now Hati wasn't sure what to do. The song had ended, they all just stood around, waiting for something he knew not what.

Eventually he decided upon getting a drink from the waters which had provided this place with its name. With a last glance at the wolves surrounding him Hati broke into a trot towards the river, stopping only as he picked his way to a rock that jutted out into the water and proved to be a perfect platform to stand on. His head lowered to the refreshing current and his tongue lapped up the liquid, the first drink he took within the boundaries of his new home.

(This post was last modified: Nov 09, 2013, 07:10 PM by Hati.)